Obama's Easter Sermon Calls on Americans to 'Rededicate' to 'Universal Mission'

President Obama used his weekly address to extend Easter and Passover wishes, expounding upon the time of year with “great meaning.”

He noted the week’s Seder held at the White House, at which he and Michelle Obama “joined Jewish families around the world in their retellings of the story of the Exodus and the victory of faith over oppression.”

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“And this Sunday, Michelle, Malia, Sasha, and I will join our fellow Christians around the world in celebrating the Resurrection of Christ, the salvation he offered the world, and the hope that comes with the Easter season,” the president added.

It’s not known if the first family will attend church, as it isn’t on the president’s weekend schedule. He spontaneously attended a service in October, but skipped church on Christmas.

“These holy days have their roots in miracles that took place long ago. And yet, they still inspire us, guide us, and strengthen us today. They remind us of our responsibilities to God and, as God’s children, our responsibilities to one another,” Obama continued.

“For me, and for countless other Christians, Holy Week and Easter are times for reflection and renewal. We remember the grace of an awesome God, who loves us so deeply that He gave us his only Son, so that we might live through Him. We recall all that Jesus endured for us – the scorn of the crowds, the agony of the cross – all so that we might be forgiven our sins and granted everlasting life. And we recommit ourselves to following His example, to love and serve one another, particularly ‘the least of these’ among us, just as He loves every one of us.”

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Obama called on Americans to join a “universal mission” this holiday.

“The common thread of humanity that connects us all – not just Christians and Jews, but Muslims and Hindus and Sikhs – is our shared commitment to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. To remember, I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper. Whatever your faith, believer or nonbeliever, there’s no better time to rededicate ourselves to that universal mission,” he said. “For me, Easter is a story of hope – a belief in a better day to come, just around the bend.”

On Monday, the White House hosts the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn, which under Obama has integrated the first lady’s Let’s Move! campaign. This year’s theme is “Hop into Healthy, Swing into Shape.” Most of the personalities appearing at the event are professional athletes; actor Jim Carrey will be reading stories to kids.

Republicans dedicated their weekly address to “Republican Enablers vs. Democrat Mandators.”

“Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina would allow federal dollars to follow a child with Down syndrome or another disability to the school the parents choose. Democrat mandators say, no—government knows best. Last year, Republican senators proposed legislation to give back to states control over whether teachers and schools are succeeding or failing. Democrat mandators proposed, in effect, a national school board,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).

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“Health care provides the most glaring difference between Republican enablers and Democrat mandators. Too often, Obamacare cancels the policy you want to keep and tells you what policy to buy, even if it costs more and restricts your choices of doctors and hospitals… Republicans want to enable and empower you. We want to be the iPhone party. We believe government ought to be a platform that gives you opportunity and freedom to create a happier, more prosperous, and safer life.”

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